Warfarin
When warfarin is prescribed
Anticoagulant medicines , such as warfarin,are oftenprescribed for people who've had a condition caused by a blood clot , such as: a stroke a heart attack deep vein thrombosis a blood clot within a deep vein in the body, usually in a leg pulmonary embolism a blood clot in the lungs Warfarin may also be prescribed for peopleat an increased risk of developing harmful blood clots, such asthose with: areplacement or mechanical (prosthetic) heart valve an irregular heart rhythm, known as atrial fibrillation a blood clotting disorder, such as thrombophilia an increased risk of blood clots following surgery
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Introduction
Find out about warfarin, including what it's used for, how it's taken, who shouldn't take it, side effects, and interactions with other medicines, food, drink and alcohol.
When warfarin is prescribed
Anticoagulant medicines , such as warfarin,are oftenprescribed for people who've had a condition caused by a blood clot , such as: a stroke a heart attack deep vein thrombosis a blood clot wit
Taking warfarin
It's very important that you take warfarin exactly as directed. Don't increase your prescribed dose unless the doctor in charge of your care advises you to. Warfarin is taken once a day, usually in t
Side effects of warfarin
Bleeding is the main side effect associated with warfarin, as it slows down the blood's normal clotting ability. You're at greatest risk of bleeding in the first few weeks of starting treatment with
Interactions
Medicines Warfarin can interact with many other medicines. The patient information leaflet that comes with a medicine should tell you if it's safe to take with warfarin. Ask your GP or pharmacist if
Other useful information
Surgery and dental work Becauseofthe risk of bleeding, your dose of warfarin may need to be lowered or stopped a few days before having an operation or dental work. Tell the surgeon or dentist that
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